Live Marijuana Free
Embrace a life free from cannabis and unlock your full potential. Learn how making this choice can lead to a healthier, happier you—and help others do the same by keeping marijuana safely locked up and out of reach.
Cannabis Free: The Choice for a Clear Future
It's a plant, so it's natural, and natural is always good-right? Think again, because both natural and synthetic versions of marijuana can cause long-lasting, negative impact on developing brains.
Marijuana (aka: blunt, dope, ganja, grass, herb, joint, bud, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, green, trees, smoke, sinsemilla, skunk, weed, hash, tea, chronic, 420) is a green and brown mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds and leaves from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which moves quickly through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs throughout the body. Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that can also act as a depressant or a stimulant.
Even though marijuana (cannabis) is legal in Michigan, it is important to remember that it can still be harmful, especially for youth. Research shows that marijuana use can negatively impact the developing brain, affecting memory, learning, and decision-making skills. For youth and young adults, regular use can lead to increased risks of mental health issues, addiction, and other long-term health impacts. While it may be legal for adults, keeping marijuana away from youth is crucial to protect their health and future potential.
Be Aware. Don't Share.
Be The Change is dedicated to keeping Barry County safe by promoting cannabis prevention and education. One of the ways we do this is through FREE marijuana lock box events held throughout the year.
At these events, Barry County residents can drive through Barry County Community Mental Health Authority's parking lot at 500 Barfield Drive, in Hastings to receive a free marijuana lock box—no questions asked!
By providing secure storage options, cannabis is kept out of the wrong hands, especially youth, to protect everyone's health. Together, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer, healthier community for all!
There Is No Safe Amount
Cannabis IS addictive! Let’s consider the facts. Those who begin using marijuana in their teens have about a 1 in 6 chance of developing marijuana addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Over the past few decades, the amount of THC in marijuana has steadily climbed; today's marijuana has three times the concentration of THC compared to 25 years ago. The higher the THC amount, the stronger the effects on the brain—likely contributing to increased rates of marijuana-related emergency room visits.
Learn about how you can start having conversations with your children today on the dangers associated with marijuana/cannabis use.
Protecting Our Community
Cannabis use carries real risks, especially for youth, young adults, and women who are pregnant or nursing. With today’s marijuana being stronger than ever, the potential for addiction is real. Be The Change is committed to raising awareness and promoting safer choices to protect Barry County's health.
• Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss
• Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning
• Driving under the influence of marijuana in Michigan and get a OUI
• Marijuana during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restrictions, premature births, and other health concerns.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use emergency or overdose, don’t wait—call 911
For non-life threatening emergencies, please call Barry County Recovery's 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-866-266-4781.
